On the Tibetan grasslands, Darje and Drolkar live a serene and ordinary life with their three sons and the grandfather. A condom sparks a series of embarrassment and dilemma, breaking the harmony of the family. What matters more in the circle of life and death, soul or reality?
Direction
Tseden's static frames make sheep more dramatic than most action scenes.
Writing
Dialogue so sparse every word lands like a prayer bell.
Director
Pema Tseden
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot entirely with non-professional actors from the actual region; Tseden found his leads at a local market.
The 'balloon' metaphor layers Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation beliefs with China's one-child policy echoes—a political whisper Tseden smuggled past censors.
CN
